CASH-IN-TRANSIT heists have skyrocketed in Mzansi.
As a result, the justice system is working hard to stamp its authority on those who commit them.
On Wednesday, 16 March, the Pietermaritzburg High Court sentenced eight men to three life sentences and a total of 120 years for heist-related crimes.
According to Warrant Officer Bonnie Nxumalo, on 1 September 2017, the Hawks received a tip-off about a group of men who were going to attack a cash van travelling from Kokstad to Harding.
The information was operationalised and three vehicles were spotted on the N2 highway near Stafford’s Post.
“Police instructed the drivers to stop, but occupants fired shots towards them instead. Cops returned fire, fatally wounding three men and injuring one. Five rifles, two pistols and explosives were recovered,” Nxumalo said.
Eight men were arrested at the scene, and charged with conspiracy to commit a cash-in-transit robbery, murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of explosives as well as the hijacking of two cars.
Nxumalo said an investigation revealed that two of their cars were hijacked in Cato Manor in April 2017 and Alexandra in June.
Xolani Mpisane (40), Njabulo Ngcobo (48), Mzwenduna Blose (41), Sabelo Buthelezi (39), Thuthukani Dlamini (35), Msizi Mkhize (45), Sibusiso Ngwenya (33) and Sipho Nyosi (38) appeared in court multiple times until a successful conviction.
“They received life imprisonment with 120 years in jail each, to run concurrently,” Nxumalo added.
